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Acid stain bleeding between patterns

by Leo
(Sugar Land, Tx, USA)

Q. We are going to acid stain the floors and need to know the best way to avoid bleeding between patterns. We want to score borders and score tile shapes in the center.

I notice that most methods recommend using a concrete sprayer ( we have Chapin 1949) for the stain and sealer. How do you do this with different color borders?

Also, what is best method of marking concrete for scoring. Pencil, chalk, etc? I read conflicting statements about difficulty in cleaning off markings.

A. If you're going to spray the stain, then the only way to keep the acid stain from bleeding between patterns is to use tape and plastic to prevent overspray. 1 mil visqueen and painters tape will do the job. Of course this can be time consuming but it's the only way unless you brush on the stain. But brushing may leave visible brush strokes.

You can't use the Chapin sprayer for acid stain because it will corrode the metal. I recommend a plastic pump sprayer. You can find them at the hardware store in the lawn and garden section.

A pencil is usually the best way to mark your lines. Chalk will blow away too easily when you start grinding. If you follow the lines with the grinder, then you don't have to worry about pencil marks being left behind.